Keeping Your Dental Visits Pain Free

Pain can come from other areas than just a toothache.  You need to make certain that you follow some unwritten rules so that confusion and contention are both minimized.

If you have a toothache, the problem is obvious.  But if you find yourself jumping from dentist to dentist, you have to ask if it’s really “them” or is it possibly you.  Maybe you aren’t fulfilling your end of the bargain.  Or maybe you didn’t define your expectations well enough.  Of course, there is the distinct possibility that you have just run into a bunch of “bad” dentists.

It’s important to find the right dentist for you, and your family, and stick with them.  This way they come to know you and your family’s needs.

Always Remain Polite and Professional with Your Dentists

First and foremost, always be polite to both your dentist and the office staff, even if you disagree with them.  If you end up having to deal with an annoying or rude person at the front desk, politely and discreetly inform your dentist of it.  If you have a reputation for being well mannered and thoughtful, they will most likely welcome the criticism, and deal with it.  Always try to work things out in a dignified and civilized manner.  Your last resort should be to threaten leaving as a patient.  Never make this threat idly, always be willing to back it up.  If necessary, do all the research again, and choose a new potential dentist before you take this action so that you’ll be ready if the dentist “calls your bluff”.

Always be punctual.  If you are typically punctual and polite, if something unforeseen happens at some point, and you need to call in late or cancel, the dental office will be more likely to forgive the incident, and not charge you a fee.  If they insist on charging you a fee, you might remind them that you have always been punctual in the past, and that there was absolutely no way to avoid the tardiness.  This may sway them to waive the fee “just this once”.  If not, and you are otherwise happy with your dentist, pay the fee.  It’s not worth jeopardizing a good relationship with a good dentist over money.  Remember, like you, their time is valuable.  By you being late, or not making the appointment at all, you have cost them money.

1. Choosing a Dentist - OVERVIEW
2. Interview Your Dentists
3. How to Find Dentists to Review
4. Questions to Ask Your Dentist
5. Keep Your Dental Visits Pain Free